Hotep made his obeisances and raised himself with heartfelt grin to gaze upon the Divine Queen. And Phoenix, how he had missed the vaunted company of devout Hemet! It would not be proper to embrace, but still he considered it. They looked well, and this eased his heart's burden. He had been caught in some unspoken apprehension as to whether their home would fare well against the incursion of Chaos.

There was another, too. Strange to him, a fellahin casting shade upon Merneith. Sungold eyes surveyed them, curious, but only briefly. In the party's absence, no doubt the world had continued to turn. He would have stories to trade, then, and not simply share.

We return in good health, my Queen. With gifts from the Druids, and assurances of a mutual interest in the fate of this world. We have seen such wonders! But the land beyond the obelisk is worn frail with Chaos. There is much and more to tell you.

His gaze softened, And of Satriya? Of you, and Horus?